Career Options with a Healthcare Associate Degree

Healthcare continues to be one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the United States. There are many lucrative career opportunities in allied health for those who have earned an associate degree. These professions are not only challenging and exciting, but most pay an average annual salary of more than $50,000, depending on location and experience.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are responsible for direct patient care, health education, and patient advocacy. An RN can practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, chronic care units, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospice facilities, schools, the military, correctional facilities, community mental health centers, and in private homes. An RN must complete an associate degree in a nursing program at an college. Average annual salary: $64,690

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Working with special imaging equipment that uses sound waves, diagnostic medical sonographers perform ultrasound examinations. A sonographer needs an associate degree, but and one-year certificate programs are available for those already employed in healthcare. Average annual salary: $64,380

Radiation Therapist
Using specialized equipment, radiation therapists work with a medical team that provides radiation treatment for cancer patients. Radiation therapists are qualified to work after completing a 12-month certificate program, but most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an associate or higher in radiation therapy. Average annual salary: $74,980